Numbers in the news

1.7B

PennDOT launched a new resource on the Internet to inform the public about the deteriorating condition of Pennsylvania's roads and bridges, and to explain Governor Rendell's propsoals to address the problem. The website is RideOnPA.org.

As the site is further developed, it will include county-by-county breakdowns of substandard roads and bridges, listed by township and borough.

Despite record investments in bridge and road repairs in the past four years, Pennsylvania has more bridges in critical need of immediate repair than any other state in the nation. A study commission found that about $1.7 billion annually will be needed to gradually address the crisis.

3

A third member of the Barnett potato farming family in northern Potter County was recently honored with the Mid- Atlantic Master Farmer Award.

Jerry Barnett follows in the footsteps of his father, Robert Barnett, and his uncle, Edgar Barnett, in receiving the coveted award. It is presented annually to just one farmer from all of the Mid-Atlantic states. Recipients must have been engaged in farming for at least a quarter-century.

20

Only 20% of Americans age 50 or older have a plan in place to sustain themselves economically through their retirement years. Researchers from Limra International Inc. warn that those who plan to meet their living expenses from Social Security, pensions and part-time work during retirement could be in for a rude awakening.

From a long-term national perspective, Limra said, the only way out is for working adults to reduce their debt and adopt more modest lifestyles to they can invest more of their earnings today to avoid economic strife tomorrow.

9,000

Upwards of 9,000 tree seedlings are being planted this spring in the Elk State Forest, spread out in Cameron, McKean and Elk counties.

The Forestry Bureau is planting 2,000 white pines on a retired road near the border of Cameron County's Grove Township and Portage Township in Potter County. Apple trees are being planted in Lumber and Shippen townships, Cameron County.

Also, 2,000 black cherries will be planted in Jones Township, Elk County, and 1,800 in Sergeant Township, McKean County.

Local Forestry Bureau personnel recently found records showing that, in May 1910, some 29,000 tree seedlings were planted near East Cowley Trail in Potter County's Portage Township. Back then, the state was anxious to restore forest land that had been stripped clear of everything but pulpwood during the region's "Lumber Era."

2.4M

Where have all the honey bees gone? The number of colonies has fallen from 5.9 million decades ago, to about 2.4 million today. That's a drop 50 billion honey bees.

The die-off has hit Pennsylvania and 34 other states. Experts aren't sure why bees are dying. The three leading theories: immune system disorders, global warming and pesticides.

To bear fruit, most flowering plans require pollen moved from blossom to blossom by bees.